authors
Puspa Rani and Reena

abstract
The paper titled "Educated but Unemployed: A Comparative Analysis of Rural and Urban Youth in Haryana" explores the relationship between educational levels and employment patterns among rural and urban youth in Haryana, with a focus on gender disparities. The study reveals that labour force participation is higher among illiterate individuals, particularly females, although the trend varies significantly across educational categories. The paper highlights that as educational levels increase, there is a marked decline in the number of individuals engaged in agricultural and allied activities, especially among females. While the economic participation of males shows a shift towards non-agricultural wage labour and salaried employment with higher education, females, despite higher educational attainment, still dominate low-paid casual and informal sectors. The study also examines the diversification of employment opportunities, noting a significant rise in salaried positions among females with secondary and higher education. Ultimately, the paper concludes that education plays a crucial role in broadening employment prospects, though gender-based disparities remain, particularly for females in rural areas.